Embattled Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed there are plans to add new players to his squad in the January transfer window. The Spanish coach noted that his players have asked him to make some signings to help them in January.
Manchester City have been ravaged by injuries this campaign and look set to be unable to defend the Premier League title they have won four times in a row. The Cityzens lost Oscar Bobb in the summer to a broken leg, followed by an ACL injury to 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. There have been several other injuries at various times this season, leaving Guardiola’s team threadbare.
Pep Guardiola revealed to Prime Video Sport ahead of his team facing Everton in their opening Boxing Day clash that plans are being made to sign new players. The coach revealed that members of the squad also asked him to bring in new players in the January transfer window.
“If we can, we have to add players in January… definitely! It was especially difficult for us at the back, in the middle. I think even us players are wondering… are we going to add some players?! Please!”.
Manchester City were largely inactive in terms of revenue in the summer transfer window, only signing Ilkay Gundogan and Savinho. This was despite the sales of Julián Álvarez, Sergio Gómez, Joao Cancelo and several other young people.
Pep Guardiola’s side have lacked the depth that made them such a force in the Premier League this season, leading to a dismal run of form. The Cityzens have won just one of their last 12 games in all competitions, losing nine times in that run.
Pep Guardiola without quintet as Manchester City prepares for Everton test
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has once again been left with a reduced squad ahead of facing Everton in the Premier League. The Cityzens will be without five senior players for the Boxing Day clash at the Etihad Stadium, with several youngsters named on the bench.
Goalkeeper Ederson, defenders John Stones and Kyle Walker, and midfielders Jack Grealish and Matheus Nunes are conspicuously absent from the Cityzens’ matchday squad. This group joins players like Rubén Días, Rodri and Oscar Bobb, who would surely already miss the game due to injury.
Academy goalkeeper Spike Brits, 17, is one of two goalkeepers on the bench alongside Scott Carson, while the likes of Divin Mubama, Max Alleyne, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey and Nico O’Reilly are on the bench. Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and James McAtee are also among the champions’ substitutes.
Edited by Sai Krishna.